How can parents recognize anxiety in children?

Signs include excessive worry, avoidance of activities, sleep problems, stomach complaints, clinginess, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety may look like behavioral problems.

What screening tools are used for childhood anxiety?

Tools like the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Spence Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) are specifically validated for youth.

Why is early intervention important?

Early intervention prevents chronic anxiety patterns, improves school and social functioning, and reduces risk of later mental health problems.

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Anxiety in Children and Teenagers: Early Recognition

Peter Kolomiets

|March 26, 2026|Updated Apr 13, 2026|7 min

Anxiety in Children and Teenagers: Early Recognition

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References

Ollendick, T. H. & March, J. S. (2004). Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Research and Practice
Birmaher, B., Brent, D. A., Chiapetta, L., et al. (1999). The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED): Scale Development and Psychometric Properties
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (2018). Childhood Anxiety Disorders: Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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